What's up with Western?

So, recently, I've had a bit of a break from the saddle. After having my first fall a number of months ago, my confidence was really knocked and I felt that my riding ability in general just seemed to decline- to the point where I almost did not want to ride at all. Now, lots of riders experience a lapse of confidence at some time in their horsey lives, and we all know that the best option is to 'get back on the horse'. I decided to a have a complete fresh start for my comeback; at a different yard, on a different horse, and finally, I even decided on a different discipline: Western. 

Before now, I've only ever ridden English, and never really even considered that there was another option out there. Then I suddenly realised that Western riding seemed right up my street; I wanted to try getting out and about on trail rides rather than circling around the arena again, and I also liked the idea of a secure, comfy saddle and slightly more relaxed way of riding. 

I found a lovely little farm where you had a lot of interaction with your horse before hopping on board, and everything was tailored to your own pace. We started out in a small outdoor arena where I was shown the ropes. At first, I found it a little difficult to adjust my hand position, but I actually found that I much preferred riding one-handed. My horse was in a Hackamore, which again I wasn't sure about at first, but once I'd settled into it, I loved how chilled it all felt (with a really loose contact, meaning my horse had space to stretch her head) whilst still maintaining a great level of control. I marvelled at how well-trained the horses were, and how responsive they were to incredibly subtle aids and voice aids alone. 

By the end of a great day's hacking out around forest, lakeside and beautiful cliffside trails, I was completely converted; I knew I could never look at an English saddle in the same way again, and had pretty much resolved to switch my discipline. 

But, along came a huge needle that threatened to pop my balloon of enthusiasm (I know that's a pretty awful metaphor, but I'm just going to roll with it!). When I returned to normality, gabbling about how wonderful Western was, I found that lots of people received my news in a very disappointing way. I don't know if it's just the people I know, or maybe the area I live in or something, but there seems to be a bit of a stigma around Western that I simply wasn't aware of before. Admittedly, I think that a certain amount of snobbery unfortunately surrounds equestrianism, at least here in the UK, so I think that comes into play here (e.g. the frustrating assumption that horse riding is only for 'posh people'). The people I've encountered seem to think that Western is for mindless cowboys who don't know how to ride, and so basically choose to sit there doing nothing. 

I couldn't disagree more! If you ask me, the fact that Western riders can perform the feats they do (e.g. the precision and skill involved in barrel racing, and the suppleness of a side pass) so effortlessly, all whilst maintaining such a free contact and absolutely minimal pressure is really commendable. So where on earth is this stereotyping coming from? 

It really saddens me, and I hope it's less of an issue for others elsewhere than it is for me, as I essentially find that Western has little to no representation where I am, meaning I have no access to Western tack, clinics, or even training books! Now, please don't get me wrong, I am not in any way condemning English riding, I am simply saying that I have reached the conclusion that Western is better for me, personally. I just wish that it wasn't looked down upon or not seen as a 'proper' discipline by certain people. 

If you find that you have reservations about Western, then I implore you to at least give it a go. You know, 'don't knock it until you've tried it' and all that. Then, if you decide it's not for you, then fair enough! At least you will (hopefully) have realised that it is a very skillful division of equestrianism, and should be respected as much as any other.

I, for one, will proudly say I love it!

Crazy About Heartland

If, like me, you are a sucker for a both a good drama series and/or a classic horsey show, you will know how difficult it is to find a decent combination of the two. I grew up watching cheesy, girly horsey flicks like The Saddle Club, which is all very well if you're of a certain age, as are the countless horse-themed movies out there (think Black Beauty, Secretariat, The Horse Whisperer- don't get me wrong, I still totally love them). Again, all great movies, but there seemed to be a big gap in the market: an equestrian drama series that could be enjoyed by all ages. Then, I stumbled across Heartland; a little late on the bandwagon, I know.

Set in the gorgeous mountains of Canada, the scenery of Heartland is as beautiful as the horses. To put things very, very simply, it is a show about a healing ranch where horses are rehabilitated and re-homed by the gifted main character, Amy Fleming, who is something of a horse whisperer herself. It was originally based on the book series by Lauren Brooke, but has taken some free rein (horsey pun intended!) with the characters, branching out into a gripping seven- soon to be eight- seasons of pure, absorbing, horse-fuelled drama. I personally can't get enough of it! Admittedly, my summer has so far consisted of curling up on the sofa watching back-to-back episodes of each season on Netflix (although not Season 7, which sadly isn't up yet. Why, oh why do I not live in Canada??)  

The characters are all great, and I feel as if you really get to know them, and so you root for them as they face their various troubles. Even if you don't like horses (in which case, may I just ask, what on Earth is wrong with you!?) you could still enjoy the drama of the series, or just sit back and soak in the beautiful setting. Seriously, a visit to Canada is now pretty high up on my Bucket List. If only I could conjure up £700 or so for the flights, I would hop on the plane tomorrow. 

Another thing that I find really refreshing about Heartland is that the horsey details are actually up to scratch. It's obvious in many TV shows that the actors (and sometimes writers!) know nothing about horses, and so the riding looks forced and unnatural, as does the use of lingo and interaction with the horses, etc. But in this series, all the knowledge seems genuine, and if stunt doubles are used, then it is never obvious. Amber Marshall, who plays Amy, is a brilliant rider in real life, and this reflects in the quality of the scenes. Consequently, Heartland is all-round simply a better quality horsey show than any other I have come across. 

And okay, okay, I will just hold my hands up and admit it now- another thing that makes this show amazing is the eye candy. I mean, c'mon; Graham Wardle as Ty Borden! (See picture above) He is just perfect for the role; as is Kerry James, who plays Caleb O'Dell. Some of my favourite moments of all time have involved the Amy/Ty/Caleb love triangle of the first couple of series. But this is more than just a Twilight-esque affair- the characters are each equally endearing and loveable, and the addition of horses totally seals the deal in my opinion. 

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I can't wait for Season 8 to be aired in the UK(and to actually get to watch Season 7 in my case!), and if you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about, then you need to check out this series. NOW! 

You can find out more about it on the official Heartland site

*Please note that I obviously do not own the image above, or anything to do with Heartland as I am just an avid fan. All copyright goes to the original owners*

The Harnessing of Fear: A corrupt industry- Why horse racing should be banned

Okay, so this is straight-up a controversial piece. But it’s one I feel very strongly about. Millions of self-confessed horse lovers eagerly await the racing season every year. They collect in their hundreds- or thousands even- and head off to big races such as the Grand National, betting slips in hand and dressed all in their finery. It’s nothing more than a fun day out.

But is it? Does anyone consider whether it’s fun for the horses who actually run the races? The views on this are very much split. I fall under the ‘against racing’ category, having looked into horse psychology and the ‘shady’ parts of the industry for several years now, there are some truly horrific aspects to horse racing that should rightfully put any fanatic off racing for good.

racehorsedeathwatch.com is a site run by the charity Animal Aid that follows the number of fatalities to racehorses as a result of injury, exhaustion/collapse, being 'destroyed' etc.

Since the 13^th of March 2007, 983 deaths have been recorded by the site in Britain alone. Most recently was Heavenly Prospect, who was euthanized on Friday the 14^th of this month at Chepstow Flat due to breaking his near-hind leg.

Horrific injuries such as this are all too common in the races. Sometimes, the damage is very much irreversible, but other times, it is simply easier for those in authority to put the animal down. After all, ‘time is money’, and the industry just doesn’t have the patience to nurse an out-of-work racehorse back to good health. And so a quick trip round a slaughterhouse will show you how these horses end up in the meat aisle instead…So, the question is, do these horses really love to run so much that they will tire themselves out to the point of collapse, or a heart attack?

The answer, quite simply, is no.

Horses do not thrive off the competitive spirit that race-goers love to talk about. They don’t live for the thrill of trying to beat the other horses galloping alongside them.

“But why do the horses keep running even without a jockey, then?!” Is one of the most common arguments that people offer.

This relates to a primitive, built-in instinct that horses developed for survival, long before they were first domesticated 4000 years ago. The reason these creatures are able to run so fast is because they are built to escape from predators. They are dominated by the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism, and unless they absolutely have no other option than to fight, they will always opt to flee from danger.

This also explains why horses are so flighty, and get spooked by seemingly totally non-frightening objects. They run first and think later.Therefore, the only explanation for why a horse would run so fast that it pushes right through the pain barrier- even without constant whipping by a jockey- is that they believe they are running for their lives.

These horses keep on running because they believe that if they stop, they will die. That is why they appear to try to get past each other. In the wild, the one that is left at the back of the herd is the one that gets hunted and killed by the predator. So, this is another reason why the horses run- herd instinct.

By observing paddock behaviours of all horses- not just Thoroughbred racers- you can clearly observe that when one gets spooked and runs, the others baulk too and mimic it, even before they know what the danger is. And the same applies in a race. A horse isn’t going to want to be left behind to wait and see what the threat is, but instead will avoid it by ‘following the leader’.

                DON’T SUPPORT MURDER

Add to this psychological influence the combined effects of a racehorse’s training and diet, and you have a ready-built running ‘machine’, and so the animals are treated like machines too.

Racehorses are fed a low-forage, high cereal diet. This has detrimental effects, as it is a very unnatural diet for a horse. In the wild, forage makes up 100% of a horses food. However, as cereals give a quick burst of high-energy due to their high starch content, they form a huge part of a racehorses diet. Without being too scientific, this causes their stomach to become overly-acidic, killing healthy bacteria in the gut, and so causing fibre digestibility to be reduced.

‘Vices’ (unwanted behaviours) can develop as a consequence of lack of fibre. This again relates to instinct, as horses are developed to eat continuously. When eating cereals, they are fed in relatively large meal sizes and consume it quickly. This means that the need to chew is not satisfied, and so horses are left distressed and may, for example, crib bite and/ or windsuck.

The increased acidity also means that painful gastric ulcers are very common ailments in racehorses.

Overall, these horses aren’t exactly the picture of health. You can see this just by watching their behaviour even when away from the races- they’re highly-strung, nervous and volatile. Not an ideal state of mind to say the least.

They are also ‘started’ at a very young age, beginning rigorous training whilst their bones and muscles are still developing. This interrupts their natural growth, which can have long-term consequences.

Finally, as we all know, racing is all about the money. Everyone wants a piece of the action, and so the breeding of race horses is becoming increasingly common. More and more youngsters are introduced to racing, but don’t make the cut. So what happens to these unwanted colts and fillies? It’s a sad truth, but something has to keep the abattoirs going. If I’m still not making my point clear enough, think Tesco’s ‘beef’ burgers. However, it’s not just the young horses that end up hung up by the meat hook. The ‘over-the-hill’ retired racehorses face exactly the same fate. Basically, as soon as an animal is no longer an economic asset, this corrupted industry simply gets rid of them.

To summarise, horse racing is basically the harnessing of fear, resulting in death to innocent animals from day one of their racing careers.  I’ve even spoken to people who know these gruesome facts, yet still do not care. To quote one of them; “As long as I get my money in the end, I don’t care how the things are treated.” The same view is shared by many racegoers.

Others are just more ignorant. I’m not trying to point the finger here; it’s a very common belief that horses adore racing and live for the adrenaline rush just as much as the gamblers who crowd on the sidelines. These people need to find out the truth.

Some may argue that this now very long-winded article (sorry about that! Can you tell I am rather passionate about the cause?!) is just based on the subjective viewpoint of a crazed animal rights enthusiast. To them I would say that they make a fair point, however, this is not just my opinion. There is plenty of proven research and evidence that backs up this argument. Even just a quick glance at the world of horse psychology tells you that racing isn’t quite what it seems.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, I truly believe that no real horse lover could actually advocate and enjoy horse racing after learning these facts.

So, if you have also been swayed by this information, or indeed were already against horse racing beforehand, I have some tips about the best way to show your dislike.

It doesn’t always have to end in a violent protest.

Firstly, I would encourage readers to take a look at Animal Aid’s campaign. They provide an information pack including posters, leaflets and a petition to ban The Grand National. By obtaining this and spreading the word to those around you, you will help to raise awareness and force the darker side of the industry out into the spotlight.

An even easier way to show that you don’t support the industry is simply to not tune into the races on TV. Even if you normally just put it on in the background as you are doing something else, the television companies count each and every tune-in as an indicator of their financial gain. In other words, you are helping to boost the popularity of the races. And so they will keep on broadcasting, and so the races will keep on running, and so more horses will die.

I therefore implore you; “When the races are on, just turn off.”

If you’ve made it this far, thank you very much for taking the time to read all of this. The sad truth is that, even in this really long rambling, I have still only skimmed over the grim realities of the industry. I didn’t even get started on the whips or the drugs…

 Still, I really hope this has helped to educate more people about horse racing. Thanks to Animal Aid and The Royal School of Veterinary Studies for inspiring some of the information in this article.

How to cope with your first fall

Have you never fallen off a horse before? Are you worried about falling off again, if you have already? Are you a nervous or inexperienced rider, and want some tips? Watch this video! x

Horsey Wellies!

£40 may seem expensive for what is, essentially, a piece of rubber, but a good pair of horsey wellies should last you a long time, and be versatile enough to wear at the yard, out on country walks or even just up to the shops! My current favourites are these Joules Horse Print wellies, available from Topshop; Click Here

Of course, there are cheaper alternatives out there- although you may have to compromise on the cool horsey prints- so the best idea is to shop around a bit, and also remember to pick the ones that are the comfiest, as it's not all about style. Although hopefully, we won't actually need any wellies at the moment, as fingers crossed there'll be some sunny weather heading our way soon!

Just in case though; I've had my eye on this pair for a while now, and at just £19.99 they won't break the bank.
                                                   You can buy them from Tottie; here!

New Logo

Here's my new updated logo for; 'The Horse Geek'! 

Spring is in the air

It might still feel like summer is a while away, but soon enough it will be time to start thinking about making changes to your horse's routine in preparation for the warmer months. A great way to start is thinking about protection from flies. There are plenty of practical, fashionable and innovative designs available, depending on exactly what you're looking for.

My favourites are these cool painted fly mask designs, available here.

However, it is important to make sure that you put performance before looks: you want to keep your horse comfortable and happy to avoid any fly-related ailments. There are also the options of fly veils and fringes, all of which can be used in conjunction with fly rugs to offer your horse the best possible shielding from pests.

Prices range from anything between £3 for a basic fringe, and around £40 for a high-tech mask, with rugs costing considerably more, but this all depends on where you get them from and the quality of the protection on offer.

In short, it's a good idea to shop around a bit until you find something that suits you horse, and it's better to start thinking about this now rather than to get flustered as the weather heats up!

Horsey Fact of the Day!

Fact of the Day: Did you know that horses have better memories than elephants?

Yard Beauty Products

This may be a little off topic, but being on the yard on cold wintry days can certainly leave us looking a bit worse for wear. So I've been looking at a few essential beauty products to give you that extra bit of TLC to be able to survive the winter months!

Firstly, lip balms are an essential for every day use, whether you've been busy mucking out since 6am or not! It's important to look for a moisturising balm to help stop them becoming chapped.

This Nivea lip butter is one I've been using for almost two months now, and I love it! It smells amazing, is really moisturising and isn't too sticky or thick like some lip butters. It's only £1.49 from Superdrug, and lasts ages too. Buy it here

Another great one is the classic Chapstick, which comes in a range of flavours. My favourite is the cherry, around £1.05, which is perfectly sweet and refreshing, and great to apply on-the-go. Where to buy

As well as lip balms, we're all familiar with the unavoidable dry skin on our hands that results from our daily yard chores. Therefore, everyone should have some hand cream to keep them feeling soft and supple. Neutrogena is one of the most well-known skin nourishing brands, and is available in many shops. Plus, it's not too pricey either, with a 50ml tube costing £2.45 from Boots. Find out more                  Slightly more expensive is Soap and Glory Hand Food; around £5 for an 125ml bottle. It claims to have a lovely scent- with fennel and lotus flower extracts- and a non-greasy hydrating formula. Plus, it's meant to be absorbed easily and quickly, which is important for when you want to top it up throughout your day at the yard. 

So, needless to say, there are are few beauty products out there that are vital for equine enthusiasts, and luckily they won't break the bank either!

Riding Bareback

Chances are that most riders have whipped off their saddle during a Pony Club gymkhana, or during riding lessons as a child, or even just to mix things up at the end of a schooling session. But have you ever considered doing your entire flatwork session saddle-less?

It all seems a little bit 'hippy-ish' to go cantering across the fields with no tack to support you other than your bridle (unless you're really out-there and decide to give that a miss too!)

But riding bareback can be of benefit to every rider, not just those who 'dare to be different' as Dublin preaches, or those who are into Natural Horsemanship. For the dressage rider, learning not to depend on the saddle will do wonders for the seat and balance in all paces; which will benefit showjumpers too. Even for the happy hacker, ambling along the country roads- just you and your horse- will help to strengthen your bond and give you a rare sense of freedom. It also establishes trust between you both, and once that connection has formed, it is difficult to break.

So next time you're heading for the arena, why not unbuckle that girth and give both you and your equine friend a bit of a break. Just have fun, take it slowly at first, and enjoy your time with your horse!

Outfit of the Day!

Here's my horsey outfit choice for today.
Everything is from New Look, the theme is a take on the American-Indian style. All links below:

Jeans
Necklace
Scarf/ Snood
Jacket
Top
Boots

Another Product Review

This isn't a standard tack cleaner review as, funnily enough, I haven't yet tried it out on any tack!
  I recently won a bottle of Net-Tex Traditional Tack Conditioner in a competition, and so far have only used it on some of my leather riding gear.

Firstly, I used it to polish up my rather worn-looking Dublin Daily Jodhpur boots, and they ended up looking like new despite having braved mud , dust, and worse! The solution is easy to use and apply, smells nice and fresh, and leaves a good shine when buffed. It also worked just as well on my Leather Half-Chaps, leaving them soft and nourished.
      This is what the manufacturer claims; "Traditional Tack Conditioner contains a blend of natural oils to nourish & protect tack & leave the leather with a lustrous shine. Used regularly it will protect leather from every day wear & tear leaving it in a soft & supple condition."

 Overall, I would say that it lives up to expectations, and the scent is an added bonus (especially as it contains natural ingredients). Definitely a great gain for a freebie!

Find out more here: Net-Tex Website

Vivacious Veterans!

Some people are quick to write off a veteran, but they have a lot more to offer than you might think.
For anyone who's unsure, the definition of a veteran varies a little, but any horse or pony who is aged 15 or over is generally considered to be a veteran. In other words, they're 'over the hill'.
  In the same way that elderly humans may suffer from various health problems, equine OAP's can be prone to dental, weight and general wellbeing issues, therefore they require special care.

For example, there are specific guidelines to follow regarding the feeding of your veteran. Many owners choose to give joint supplements to ward off arthritis. This could be a confusing subject, but luckily there is always help available from equine nutritionists, your vet, and websites dedicated to the topic. Similarly, there is a wide range of ready-made mixes created for aged ponies.

They may require a replacement for hay as they find it harder to chew with age. This can result in 'quidding'- when your horse drops food out of their mouth whilst eating. Therefore, regular dental checks are very important.

Some veterans also find it hard to keep weight on, especially in the winter months, so it is important to keep your horse warm. You'll need plenty of rugs, extra bedding and a draft-free stable in order to prevent excessive shivering, as this burns calories and contributes to weight loss.

So what's in it for me?

Yes, veterans need a lot of TLC, but it's worth it! Lots of people are under the impression that they are no longer able to ride their older horses, and so retire them to be field companions (or, even more sadly, end their lives early). But, in fact, they often have so much more to give. Depending on their health and age, they may even be up for a blast across the fields, as most veterans will have a plentiful energy supply that needs using up somehow. If they're not quite that peppy, they'll still be great for little kids to be around and ride, as they know their stuff and will take care of a beginner.

So don't give up on your veteran just yet. They'll be a life-long friend, and deserve a peaceful exit after all they have done for their owners throughout their lives.

Horsey Fact of the Day: The oldest ever horse lived to the age of 62. His name was 'Old Billy', and he was an English Barge horse.

Product Review

Mountain Horse Gloves:

I got a pair of these from my local Tack Shop, after falling in love with the look of them. I'd only bought simple, cheap, pimple-palm gloves before, so I decided to try these for a bit of a change. They're around £14.99, available in plenty of different colours (mine are olive-brown) and sold at most equestrian retailers. I'm pretty happy with them, after using them for around a year and a half now. They're still in pretty good condition, smart and supple, and the crochet style means that they are breathable to wear- perfect in summer. The only downside is that the pigskin leather palm does not provide much grip, but other than that, these have quickly become one of my favourite pairs of gloves.

Buy online

Equestrian Essentials

New Look

Whether you're on or off the yard, if you, like me, are truly horse mad, then chances are you will want to be a fabulous filly at all times. So I've picked out a few of my favourite high street horsey fashions, for those on a budget (after all, more money saved means more left over to spend on your favourite horse!) New Look has a good selection of horse print goodies,such as this sheer printed shirt. It's elegant and versatile, and a steal at just £8.00 in the sales.

Find out more

Topshop 

I also loved these cute Unicorn print PJ's from Topshop, for £26.00. At 100% cotton, they should be soft and comfortable, plus easy to wash. Add a pair of fluffy socks or slippers and you're ready to face the rest of the winter!

More info on PJ's



  Lastly, for a more subtle look is this nude bowler bag with a gold horse embellishment. It's a little bit more pricey at £35.00 from Asos, but it will go with just about anything, and add that finishing touch to your outfit.

Buy it here

Horsey Facts of the Day: Did you know that the name for an 'albino' horse is a Cremello? and The name 'Phillip' or 'Philippa' means horse lover?

Welcome to my blog!

Bonjour! I'm The Horse Geek (or dapplegray14), the horse-mad blogger. I'll be putting all sorts of equestrian minded posts on here, including tips, funny stories, product reviews and more. Keep on reading :)